Complacency won’t wreck Champions League bid, says Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has launched a vigorous defence against claims that complacency could cost his Tottenham side a place in next season's Champions League.

Redknapp spoke out after watching sloppy Spurs concede a two-goal lead against injury-ravaged Everton. The resulting 2-2 draw leaves them holding down fourth place in the Premier League but Chelsea-conquerors Manchester City, who visit White Hart Lane on Wednesday week, are only two points behind with a game in hand.

Yesterday's disappointment at Goodison Park follows the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at Manchester United and a 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa.

The euphoria that greeted the 9-1 win over Wigan a fortnight ago has certainly evaporated. Jermain Defoe scored five in that win but couldn't hide his misery after missing his injury-time penalty yesterday.

"We're an open team, we play an open game. We were the away team, yet I played with two wide men and two strikers. It was a very open-looking team, and that's how we play." Early second-half goals from Defoe and Michael Dawson looked to have taken Spurs above Arsenal in the table. But after several chances to extend that lead went begging, Everton hit back through Louis Saha and Tim Cahill.

Redknapp said: "For sure, I'm frustrated. We've thrown two points away, there is no doubt about that. But what can you do? Overall, in the general pattern of the game I couldn't fault the way we played. We controlled it, passed it well, made chances, everything was right. It looked like we were going to keep a clean sheet, but then suddenly they came back.

"Even then, we had the opportunity of a spot kick. You can't ask for more than that, can you?"